Obituary of Samuel (Sam) MacLean, New Waterford

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Samuel “Sam” MacLean, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. Surrounded by family, he passed away peacefully at the Maple Hill Manor on January 11th, 2025, at the age of 86.

Born in Glencoe, Inverness Co., on July 14th, 1938, he was the son of the late Donald Angus and Mary Ann (MacKinnon) MacLean. Around age 15, the family moved to New Victoria.

At age 16, he started working for DEVCO in the pit. He went on to work in the coal mines for 38 years. He spoke fondly of his time in the pit and those who worked with him.

Sam cherished spending time with his family. With many siblings to visit, he often took family vacations to see loved ones in Ontario and Boston. He especially enjoyed his yearly trips to 'the country' to reconnect with family and revisit the sights of his childhood. At home, Sam loved working on small projects in the yard or garage, always finding ways to keep himself busy.

He also treasured the time he spent with his grandson, Adam. Over the years, they shared countless moments in the yard, with Adam driving his little Jeep as they built parking lots and obstacle courses, ensuring Adam always had fun. During the winter, shovelling the driveway became a special tradition—Adam was the only one Sam allowed to help him. Their bond was filled with love, laughter, and treasured memories.

In his later years at the manor, Sam found joy in spending time daily in the living room with his wife, Anne. He enjoyed playing games and chatting with the other residents, creating meaningful moments in a place he called home.

Sam is survived by his wife of 53 years, Anne (Campbell), his son, Sheldon (Cara), and grandchildren, Adam (Sara) and Amy (Tyler). Also left to mourn are his brothers John, Dougald (Lexie), Joseph (Rita), and Norman (Agnes), as well as his sisters Kaye Basile, Florence Bushnik, and Margie MacDonald, and his cousin, who was more like a sister, Agnes (Phonse) Martell.

He will also be fondly remembered by his sisters-in-law, Joan MacLean and Inga Campbell; his aunt, Cassie Cote; his special friends, Kevin and Maureen Murray; and his little fur buddy, Roman. He is also survived by his many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In addition to his parents, Sam was predeceased by his mother and father-in-law, Dan and Elizabeth Campbell; his sister, Regina; his brother, Ronnie; his brothers-in-law, Jim Bushnik, Francis MacDonald, Joe Basile, Frankie (Rita) Campbell, Peter Campbell, and Raymond Campbell; and his sisters-in-law, Margie MacLean, Mary (Gerald) Hearn, and Agnes (Tom) McIsaac.

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the staff of Maple Hill Manor for their exceptional care and dedication. Sam always felt happy and at home there, and your kindness and compassion meant the world to him and to us.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 16 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. in V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home, 380 Smith Street, New Waterford.

A Funeral Mass of celebration will take place Friday, January 17 at 10 a.m. in the Parish Church of St. Leonard, Mount Carmel Avenue, with Father Jim Oliver officiating. Cremation will follow with burial in St. Michael's Cemetery, River Ryan, at a later date. A reception will be held at the K.O.C. Hall, Plummer Avenue, New Waterford, immediately following the Funeral Mass. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at: www.vjmcgillivray.ca. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory can be made to the Maple Hill Manor.

A livestream of the funeral can be accessed by visiting: sammacleanmemorial.ca.